Labor flags post-election ban on cosmetics testing on animals

Labor is pledging to conduct a national consultation to phase out the importation, manufacture, sale and advertising of cosmetics or cosmetic ingredients that are tested on animals.

The European Union has already issued a complete ban on the sale of cosmetics developed through animal testing.

That ban took effect earlier this year and applies to all new cosmetics and their ingredients sold in the EU, regardless of which country in the world the animal testing was carried out.

Although animal testing on cosmetics in Australia stopped some years ago, it is not illegal.

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek says most Australians would be surprised to learn that some companies test their cosmetics or their ingredients on animals overseas before selling them here.

"Some companies manufacture cosmetics in Australia using ingredients tested on animals overseas, even though the finished cosmetic products are not tested on animals domestically," Ms Plibersek said.

"Animals shouldn't suffer in the quest for better mascara or lipstick."

Ms Plibersek says the national consultation will go ahead if Labor is a re-elected.

"Continuing to import cosmetics or cosmetic ingredients tested on animals is out of step with current community expectations," she said.

"Over 10 years, the European Union phased out the importation and marketing of cosmetic products and their ingredients tested on animals.

"I believe Australia needs to play its part in the international movement against animal testing."

Cosmetics firms pledge phase-out of animal testing

After the EU issued its complete ban earlier this year, the Australian cosmetics industry group, Accord, released a statement in May.

"The cosmetics industry, both here and abroad, is committed to the eventual elimination of animal testing for cosmetic ingredients," it read.

"The industry took the step decades ago of ceasing to test finished cosmetic products on animals. Significant investment is being made by the industry internationally to validate critical alternative safety tests."

Earlier this year, the ABC reported on a Choice investigation into the brands that test their cosmetics on animals in order to access the lucrative Chinese cosmetics market.

Several organisations, including Choice and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), closely monitor the brands that test on animals, and the brands that avoid the practice.

Choice has published its list, along with PETA's, on its website.

Shop Ethical also monitors which companies test their products on animals.